Articles tagged with Lungs
A low-cost, easy-to-use emergency ventilator for COVID-19 patients has been developed at the University of California San Diego. The UCSD MADVent Mark V can be assembled in just 15 minutes and is designed to be safe and easy to use for healthcare workers with limited experience.
A new smartphone app uses voice recordings to detect fluid in the lungs of heart failure patients, allowing for early intervention and potentially preventing hospitalizations. The app requires a daily 30-second recording, which is compared to a personalized 'healthy' model to identify subtle changes.
Researchers developed tiny, decoy 'sponges' that attract and neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus, preventing it from replicating in lung cells. The nanotechnology could be adapted to combat other viruses like influenza or Ebola.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a groundbreaking 3D printing technique that prints electronic sensors directly on organs expanding and contracting. This technology could aid in diagnosing and monitoring patients with COVID-19 by tracking lung movements.
A new study in The American Journal of Pathology reports that gene expression analysis of lung explant tissue can accurately differentiate pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). This molecular approach promises to facilitate clinical diagnostics and develop novel target-specific intervention...
Researchers have successfully used magnetic targeting to improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating silicosis. The study found that MSCs treated with magnets showed significant reductions in lung damage and improvements in pulmonary function compared to non-magnetized MSCs.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered that lung-resident killer T cells can recognize second viral infections without relying on dendritic cells, providing a new paradigm for vaccine development. This finding may lead to superior immunity against respiratory viruses.
Researchers tested interferon treatment for COVID-19 and found that timing and duration of exposure may impact bacterial susceptibility. Studies in mice suggest that type III interferons can cause damage to lung epithelium, increasing the risk of lethal superinfections.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute found that a protein which helps fight viruses can later interfere with lung tissue repair. This could prolong lung damage and increase risk of subsequent bacterial infections.
A new study found that people with small airways relative to their lungs' volume are at increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) regardless of smoking habits. Individuals with smaller airways had the poorest lung function and were 8 times more likely to develop COPD.
A new biohybrid model, developed by Ellen Roche and colleagues, accurately represents the interplay between the abdomen, diaphragm, lungs, and pleural space. The model enables precise tuning of pressure in each part of the system, allowing for the testing of various disease conditions and ventilator options.
A new study found that high uric acid levels protect female lung function from decline with age or disease. Women with lower female hormone levels are more likely to benefit from this antioxidant effect.
A new study examines ventilation and medication strategies to prevent psychological trauma in COVID-19 ARDS survivors. Researchers found that opiates are the most reliable agent for relieving air hunger, while sedatives often do not alleviate shortness of breath.
A new study published in eLife finds that the number and types of immune cells in mouse lungs increase rapidly after birth, helping them adapt to breathing and protect against infections. This discovery may lead to new therapies to preserve or enhance lung development in infants and young children.
The study found that SARS-CoV-2 infects nasal-lining cells more efficiently than lower-airway cells, suggesting the importance of wearing masks to limit transmission. The researchers also discovered a new reverse genetic platform for SARS-CoV-2, which will support national vaccine efforts.
Researchers investigate how macrophages mediate tissue repair and promote lung stem-cell growth in response to worm infections. Their findings may have relevance for understanding and treating COVID-19-related lung damage.
A study examining COVID-19 patient lungs found distinctive vascular features, including severe endothelial injury and blood clotting. Researchers also observed a unique pattern of pulmonary vascular disease progression in some cases compared to equally severe influenza infections.
A team of researchers from MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital has developed a new approach to splitting ventilators, allowing for personalized airflow control and pressure release valves. This system could make it easier to divide air flow for Covid-19 patients in emergencies when no other options are available.
A WVU study found that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be life-saving for some critically ill COVID-19 patients, particularly those with lung dysfunction. However, older patients with pre-existing conditions and heart function impairment may not benefit from ECMO treatment.
Researchers report increased ACE2 expression in smokers' lungs, possibly resulting in COVID-19 morbidity. Smoking causes a significant increase in the protein's production, tied to goblet cell hyperplasia and associated with COPD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Research suggests that cigarette smoke triggers an increase in ACE2 receptors in the lungs, a protein used by the coronavirus to enter human cells. Quitting smoking may reduce this risk.
A new software application, developed by the University of Trento in collaboration with the University of Eindhoven, provides support for diagnosing Covid-19. The technology uses artificial intelligence to analyze lung ultrasound scans, offering faster and more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers have discovered that trefoil factors, a type of protein, bind to mucin glycoproteins in the lungs, making mucus thicker and more viscous. This knowledge could lead to new therapeutics for treating chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD.
A new study explains the mechanisms of COVID-19, revealing how the virus triggers an immune system overreaction, resulting in a cytokine storm. This can lead to respiratory failure, as well as damage to organs such as the heart and kidneys. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting organ function.
Targeting the brain's control of breathing may help improve breathing in patients with respiratory disorders like COVID-19. Researchers found that reducing neural inflammation can minimize lung injury effects.
Anesthesiologists in Israel used 3D printing and virtual reality to create a personalized airway plan for a 7-year-old girl undergoing lung surgery. The plan reduced trial and error during the operation, allowing for a successful outcome.
A new study from LSU Health reveals that chronic nicotine inhalation increases blood pressure and leads to pulmonary hypertension, accompanied by changes in lung and heart blood vessels. The researchers also found the adverse effects of inhaled nicotine are largely isolated to the right heart.
Researchers developed a low-toxicity antimicrobial peptide that effectively fought drug-resistant bacteria in laboratory cell cultures and mice, offering hope for treating respiratory infections. The new peptide, D8, showed remarkable stability and activity against superbugs, posing less risk to human cells.
A Phase III clinical trial is assessing whether tocilizumab can reduce out-of-control inflammation and improve health outcomes in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The study aims to determine if the drug reduces mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, and ICU admissions.
A new project led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute has received a $525,000 grant to analyze lung samples from healthy and unwell children to describe lung inflammation in childhood disorders such as asthma and bronchiectasis. The study aims to inform strategies for improving clinical care and pulmonary health throughout life.
A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that men with a history of obesity in their late teens are more at risk of developing blood clots (venous thromboembolism) in adulthood. The risk increases progressively, with severe obesity associated with a nearly fivefold higher risk.
Researchers found a 25% increase in ACE2 expression in lung tissues from ever-smokers compared to nonsmokers, suggesting an increased risk for viral binding and entry. Smoking also remodelled gene expression, making it easier for the virus to infect human cells.
Researchers discovered that the loss of NEDD4-2 protein leads to impaired mucociliary clearance and dysregulation of the TGF? signaling pathway, contributing to pulmonary fibrosis progression. The study provides a novel animal model for IPF research, enabling further investigation of disease mechanisms and development of new treatments.
A recent study found that artificial intelligence can provide results comparable to lung function tests in diagnosing emphysema and classifying its severity. The AI system can automatically analyze chest scans and create a 3D model of the patient's lungs, helping doctors better communicate with patients and track treatment progress.
Researchers discover e-cigarette liquid can cause lung tissue repair process to go haywire, leading to scarring. Inhibiting a certain nicotinic receptor may help promote cell death and slow scar formation in affected individuals.
Researchers have identified goblet and ciliated cells in the nose as likely initial infection points for COVID-19 coronavirus. The study found that these cells express key entry proteins used by the virus to infect cells, making them highly accessible to the virus.
A non-invasive low-cost ventilator has been designed and tested by UB researchers, providing efficient respiratory support to patients. The prototype adapted to spontaneous breathing rhythm and provided a feeling of breathing relief similar to commercial devices.
A low-cost, easy-to-build non-invasive ventilator has been developed and tested, performing similarly to conventional commercial devices. The prototype provides effective breathing support for patients with respiratory failure, potentially improving outcomes and alleviating pressure on health systems.
The American Thoracic Society has published its first official guidelines for diagnosing sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease affecting the lungs and other organs. The guidelines recommend a baseline serum test to screen for hypercalcemia, as well as conditional tests for specific symptoms and organ involvement.
A new sensor chip smaller than a ladybug records multiple lung and heart signals, body movements, and sounds to offer the big picture of a patient's heart and lung health. The chip's high resolution and quantified data could identify pathologies and enable clinical readings in the future.
Researchers from Monash University and The Royal Women's Hospital developed a ventilator splitting method that can be used with standard hospital equipment to address the global ventilator shortage. The study, published in Anaesthesia, found that by modifying air pressure, flow, and volume, two lungs of different compliances can be ven...
Researchers developed graphene-based sensors to measure oxygen transport in bovine lung tissue, revealing that a surfactant called cardiolipin disrupts oxygen balance in pneumonia patients. The study also found damaged spots in diseased tissue, which may be responsible for increased oxygen transfer.
ETH Zurich researchers have designed cost-effective oxygen concentrators to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The devices use a novel membrane technology and can be replicated almost anywhere in the world using locally available materials.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people with COPD and smokers have higher levels of ACE-2, a molecule that allows coronavirus to infect lung cells. Former smokers had similar levels of ACE-2 as non-smokers, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking to protect against COVID-19.
A new study finds that using bedroom air filters can significantly improve breathing in asthmatic children. Consistent daily use of filters for two weeks reduced airway resistance, lung inflammation, and increased airway elasticity. The findings suggest that the filters may help prevent asthma flare-ups without costly medications.
Researchers from Kumamoto University found that the DsbA-L protein plays a crucial role in maintaining lung function in the elderly. They discovered that variations in the DsbA-L gene are associated with changes in respiratory function and antioxidant functionality. The study suggests that boosting DsbA-L expression may help promote he...
A recent study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that ancient aquatic crocodiles evolved to enormous sizes due to water pressure. The minimum survivable size threshold for these aquatic species was found to be around 10 kilograms, and they surpassed their semi-aquatic and landlocked counterparts in average weight by a fa...
A new online platform, CovED, aims to improve COVID-19 diagnosis by providing healthcare workers with rapid training and image-based diagnostic tools. Developed by DetectED-X, the platform can be accessed for free and is supported by leading corporations and healthcare experts.
A recent study published in Immunity identified the protein Rbm7 as a key player in the development of tissue fibrosis. The researchers found that Rbm7 induces cell death after tissue injury, leading to the recruitment of immune cells that form scar tissue.
Researchers found that creating hydrogels at room temperature or below results in more robust materials. The findings could improve the 3D printing of biomaterials and enhance their performance in biomedical applications.
A retrospective study of 12 patients with severe COVID-19 found that lying face down improved lung function and reduced the need for high positive pressure. Prone positioning was associated with increased lung recruitability, reducing harm to patients.
Researchers at University of Illinois and Mie University discover salt-loving bacteria secret a peptide that rapidly kills lung cells, leading to acute exacerbation. The finding offers a potential new target for treating pulmonary fibrosis, a disease affecting millions worldwide.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs may raise the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes due to increased ACE2 receptors in the lungs. Patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and chronic renal disease are more susceptible.
Research finds that high levels of iron build-up in lung cells worsen asthma symptoms and lower lung function. The study suggests a link between iron absorption, immune system responses, and asthma severity.
Researchers found that Aspergillus molds attack the lung's epithelial cells, causing a leaky barrier and triggering an overreaction to future mold exposure. The TRPV4-calcium pathway plays a key role in this response, suggesting new avenues for preventing asthma.
A new study has validated a better way to stratify BPD risk in extremely preterm infants, using a longer duration of supplemental oxygen. The findings suggest that babies who require oxygen for over 120 days are at high risk of respiratory complications and should receive expanded ventilation before discharge.
Including smoking cessation with existing lung cancer screening efforts would significantly reduce lung cancer mortality and increase life-years gained. The study found that point-of-screening cessation interventions could further reduce lung cancer deaths by 14% and increase life-years gained by 81%.
Research led by Andries Steyn found that Mtb bacteria induce increased hydrogen sulfide production in human macrophages, increasing pathogenesis and virulence. The study suggests that targeting hydrogen sulfide production may be useful for managing tuberculosis and other microbial infections.
Researchers have identified three genes linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a devastating lung disease. The discovery provides potential targets for new drugs and may lead to improved treatments.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that lung stem cell secretions delivered via nebulizer can help repair lung injuries due to multiple types of pulmonary fibrosis in mice and rats. The treatment resulted in a nearly 50% reduction of fibrosis compared to mesenchymal stem cells counterparts.